Modified on: 27/05/2024
How to clean the e-cigarette filter
The electronic cigarette filter is a fundamental component, as it is the link between the electronic device and the smoker. Specifically, we are talking about an element of two cavities located at opposite ends, where one connects to the atomizer, and the other allows the inhaled vapour to escape.
Each filter, being subject to continuous and constant use, undergoes a sort of wear and tear, so it will be necessary to provide for its daily maintenance with particular attention. Furthermore, it means that it is required to carry out specific cleaning operations to keep it in as good a state as possible, both from a functional point of view and its durability.
Let us now look at why these actions are so necessary, providing a small guide on the main steps to take care of the electronic cigarette and, in this case, of the filter.
Maintenance and cleaning: why they are important
When you decide to approach the world of electronic smoking, you should be aware that you will need to follow specific rules regarding the maintenance and care of your device. Each electronic cigarette comprises various components, all of which can be dismantled and separated from each other. This aspect is particularly important, as it allows them to be thoroughly cleaned, eliminating residues and traces of dirt that inevitably accumulate with daily use of the instrument.
To smoke satisfactorily and ensure that your electronic cigarette always works perfectly, it is not enough to buy a branded, certified, high-quality product; all these aspects alone are not enough and must be accompanied by constant and periodic maintenance.
These daily actions ensure a high degree of cleanliness and, therefore, safety from a hygiene point of view and protect against possible malfunctions of the device, avoiding as much potential damage or specific problems related to the internal mechanism of the electronic cigarette.
Most malfunctions are caused by carelessness or dirt that accumulates inside the electronic cigarette’s components, preventing the correct flow of vapour. On the other hand, careful and constant maintenance is the key to ensuring that the life of your device is as long as possible.
In addition, all these actions increase or maintain the high-quality standards of what is known as a good vape without compromising its intensity or flavour.
The electronic cigarette parts are not only removable but also interchangeable, which means that it is also possible to replace elements with new ones, depending on the type and extent of wear and tear. This modularity makes it possible to extend the life of the electronic cigarette by acting on the individual parts, rather than having to constantly replace them, as is the case with disposable electronic cigarettes.
Read also: Electronic cigarette filter: how long it lasts and which one to choose
How to clean the e-cigarette filter: the steps to follow
Talking specifically about the electronic cigarette filter, it is important to stress that this element is fundamental for the performance of a device.
As mentioned above, the filter is the part most in contact with the smoker’s mouth, so it is essential to ensure that it is always clean and fully functional. This aspect is also reinforced by the fact that the electronic cigarette filter is not covered but rather very exposed, and it is therefore easy for it to be knocked around or for dust and saliva to collect inside.
Consistent maintenance, in this case, is the only way to ensure that you don’t run into problems that may require you to replace the filter or even the whole cigarette and take it to a service centre.
To clean the filter of your e-cig, you need to follow a few simple steps, taking care to carry them out consistently and continuously. First of all, there are different ways to clean the e-cigarette, and this varies according to the depth of the operations you carry out: there are gestures that are worth carrying out daily, as well as more thorough cleanings that can be spaced out by a few days or carried out only in specific cases.
It is preferable not to procrastinate but to carry it out daily when it comes to cleaning the filter. First of all, it will be necessary to detach the filter from its housing, separating it from the atomizer to which it is connected.
The operations are simple but should not be underestimated. First of all, it is possible to make a coarse cleaning blowing inside the filter to eliminate the most visible grains, and then to go deeper, maybe using some blotting paper or some scottex, in order not to leave dangerous residues. Having said that, it is possible to wash the filter with a bit of neutral soap, taking care not to leave any traces and rinsing it with warm water.
Since the filter is equipped with two small cavities located on opposite sides, no water must remain inside. Otherwise, it could create condensation, which would then come into direct contact with the atomizer, risking to increase of dangerous germs and bacteria and determining the appearance of rust, thus affecting the functioning of the internal mechanism of the electronic cigarette.
All these steps are interlinked, and one must not be separated from the other. Otherwise, the whole process would be rendered useless.
The benefits of frequent filter maintenance
The filter and all the elements that make up the electronic cigarette must always be cleaned thoroughly, right from the first use. These operations are critical, as already mentioned, and bring a whole series of benefits.
Let’s start by saying that constant maintenance extends the life of the electronic cigarette as a whole. Being a mechanical device subject to continuous use, it is inevitable that some gears may become jammed over time, leading to a drop in the quality of the smoke and a decrease in overall performance. To remedy this, or at least to avoid malfunctions occurring earlier than expected, the user must arm himself with a bit of patience to clean his cigarette carefully, starting with the filter.
Most of the dirt passes through the filter and the vapour that the smoker inhales. For this reason, it is essential to avoid obstructions that are mainly due to carelessness. In this case, maintenance would lead to a tangible improvement in the quality of vaping, as well as avoiding having to continually take the cigarette to a service centre, with consequent long waiting times for repairs.
Finally, as has already been said, a clean filter also provides control from the point of view of hygiene, preventing, as far as possible, dirt from reaching the smoker’s oral cavity.
Read also: Sending electronic cigarettes by post: what you need to know.
How to dispose of electronic cigarette filters?
Electronic cigarettes are becoming more and more popular. Still, as it is essential to replace their components, it would also be necessary to inform users correctly about the disposal process, protect the environment and implement correct and respectful behaviour.
In the specific case of e-cig filters, we have said that maintenance and cleaning alone may not be enough, and in some cases, it may be necessary to replace them. In this case, where to dispose of the old filter?
Filters are usually made of hypoallergenic plastics, so depending on specific municipal regulations, it should be possible to dispose of them in the appropriate plastic collection bin. Please get in touch with your dealer or the manufacturer directly in case of doubt.